CBO Scores the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act

The No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act (HR 2666) would amend existing law to prohibit federal regulation of rates charged for services related to broadband Internet access. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) currently regulates certain aspects of those services, including activities related to blocking, degrading, or charging fees to prioritize content. At this time, the agency does not regulate the prices charged to consumers for broadband services.

Based on information from the FCC, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would have no significant effect on the agency’s workload and spending relative to current policies. Moreover, under current law, the FCC is authorized to collect fees sufficient to offset the cost of its regulatory activities each year. Therefore, CBO estimates that the net cost to implement H.R. 2666 would be negligible, assuming annual appropriation actions consistent with the agency’s authorities. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 2666 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2027.